Hello and thank you for sending in your question. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), caused by Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, a bacteria usually found in penile discharge or vaginal fluid. It is transmitted via unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex or through shared sex toys or vibrators. There are various symptoms gonorrhea may cause such as vaginal discharge, pain during urination, lower abdominal pain, bleeding in between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, heavier periods and back pain. Infections in the anus may cause anal itching or painful defecation while you may experience redness or soreness in the mouth or throat with oral or throat infections. However, many women who are infected may not have any symptoms at all.

Given your high risk for infection, your concern about being infected as well as the symptoms you have, I highly recommend that you be tested by your healthcare provider. During the consultation, your doctor would take a full medical history and sexual history and may examine your mouth, throat, abdomen and pelvis. In order to confirm gonorrhoea infection, swabs are taken from where infection is likely such as the throat, mouth, anus and vagina. Results may take up to two weeks for confirmation or faster if a rapid test kit is available. As co-infection is common in gonorrhoea, your doctor may also test you for other STDs.

Gonorrhoea is treatable with antibiotics and counselling about safe sex and STDs may be offered as well. Many feel shy or scared about seeking help. However, it is crucial that gonorrhoea is detected early and treated because of possible complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and the risk for mother-to-child transmission during birth. In order to avoid complications, get treatment early and practice safe sex.